Ahavath Torah (Stoughton, Massachusetts)

Ahavath Torah is a Conservative congregation in Stoughton, Massachusetts. Formed as a merger of two older congregations founded in the 1890s,[1] it is the oldest synagogue in Stoughton.[2]

Ahavath Torah Congregation
Religion
Affiliation	Conservative Judaism
Leadership	Rabbi: Jonathan Hausman
Status	Active
Location
Location	1179 Central Street, Stoughton, Massachusetts,  United States
Geographic coordinates	42.134959°N 71.108086°W / 42.134959; -71.108086
Architecture
Completed	1970
Website
atorah.org

Congregation Ahavath Achim was formed in Stoughton in 1893. Congregation Talmud Torah was formed in Stoughton soon after, in 1895.[1] Both congregations worshiped in various houses.[2] In 1918, the congregations merged with the Hebrew Benevolent Society to form Ahavath Torah Congregation,[1][2] with 25 members,[2] and Rev. M. L. Graham as its spiritual head.[3] That year the congregation began construction of its first synagogue building on Porter Street,[1] which was dedicated on October 14, 1919.[2] The congregation was, however, only officially incorporated on September 5, 1930.[2]

In 1954, Ahavath Achim opened its religious school.[2] In need of a larger synagogue building, it purchased and moved into the former Congregational Church at 30 Pearl Street in 1958.[1][2] As Stoughton's Jewish population grew, membership increased to 72 families, and land was purchased in three stages for a new synagogue. The present building at 1179 Central Street was dedicated in 1970. Further growth led to a significant renovation and expansion of the synagogue building, which was completed in 1987.[2]

The synagogue has hosted many notable guest speakers, including Geert Wilders,[4][5] Wafa Sultan,[6] and Dr. Mordechai Kedar,[7] as well as entertainment from singer Sam Glaser,[8] and a Bob Lazarus memorial show.[9]

Congregational rabbis have included Henry Gerson, David Oler, Harold Schechter,[2] and Steven Conn.[10] As of 2010, the rabbi is Jonathan Hausman.